Japanese Knotweed control treatment in Point Pleasant Park (HRM 2008)
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Japanese Knotweed Control Pilot Project
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an introduced plant (also known as an alien plant species) that can take over large areas in the landscape. It can crowd-out Acadian forest saplings, shrubs, and groundcovers on the forest edge, and it is very difficult to control and remove once it becomes established.
 Japanese Knotweed stand (CTG 2007)
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HRM started a pilot project in early 2008 to find the most effective way to remove the plant from the park.
We mapped Japanese knotweed locations in the park, and then selected two control areas to treat with a non-chemical method.
Contractors installed a layer of cardboard over the soil of the control area, followed by a layer of fiber cloth, then a covering of black polyethylene.
The covering will be kept in place for a minimum of 2 growing seasons. After this period the locations will be inspected for regrowth.
If successful, we will plant the areas with Acadian forest plants. If we see signs of knotweed regrowth we will extend the treatment period.
We will monitor Japanese knotweed growth throughout the park as we continue our research into the best practices for its removal.
This Point Pleasant Park Biodiversity Project is made possible by: